Frequently Asked Questions

The NATO summit begins on Sunday, May 20 at 2 pm and ends on Monday, May 21 at 2 pm.

Where will the summit be held?

The summit will be held at McCormick Place.

Can I attend any of the summit meetings?

The official summit will be closed to the public. However, thousands of journalists are expected to cover the summit and extensive press coverage is expected. There are numerous summit-related events that are open to the public. See a list of our events.

What is NATO?

NATO is a political-military alliance made up of 28 member countries, including the United States, which has played a unique and essential role in maintaining security and stability throughout the past six decades. Learn more.

Where will the summit delegates be staying when they are visiting Chicago?

The foreign delegations will be staying at various hotels throughout the city.

How many people are expected to attend the summits?

The summits are estimated to bring nearly 10,000 people to Chicago. This includes more than 7,000 delegates and staff, along with about 2,000 international journalists.

Who is paying for the summit?

The City and the Chicago NATO Host Committee are committed to raising money through private donations and federal reimbursements to cover the costs associated with the summit so the city's taxpayers are not burdened. A list of our corporate donors can be found here.

Who is in charge of security?

The United States Secret Service is the lead federal agency working in partnership with the White House, NATO, and the U.S. Department of State to provide security, logistics, and credentials. The Secret Service is coordinating with the FBI, FEMA, as well as Chicago's Police and Fire Departments, and the city's Office of Emergency Management and Communication.

Will Chicago allow for protesters?

The City of Chicago supports the right of protesters to exercise their First Amendment rights and will continue to ensure that they can do so while fulfilling the city's obligation to Chicagoans to protect the public and enforce the laws of the city. The city of Chicago has been accepting permit requests for rallies at public facilities and for parades/marches since January 3. See a current map of permitted marches and rallies. This map is subject to change.

What is the Host Committee?

The Chicago NATO Host Committee is the umbrella organization responsible for coordinating with local, state, and federal partners to ensure the City does all it can to support the execution of well-run and successful summit. The Host Committee is working under the auspices of World Business Chicago, a not-for-profit organization focused on economic development. Read more about the Host Committee.